There are times in the life of Mercy Market that things are:
Tedious-such as counting hundreds, even a few thousand items for year-end inventory.
Demanding-getting product ready for 10 shows on the same weekend. (Dec. 9, 2019)
Exhausting-craft fairs, where we frequently sell product-can wear me out!
Exciting-getting to travel and meet the women who make our products.
Fulfilling-receiving thank yous and updates on how lives are impacted through Mercy Market.
But today in the life of Mercy Market it is discouraging. Sad.
Today I am putting back all the product that we had boxed up for 4 events. Every single item. Back in its tub, drawer, container. Oh, it’s not the work. We have unpacked hundreds of boxes and put thousands of items back in their place in our office. But this time is different.
This time the items never made it out of the boxes.
No one heard the stories.
No one made a purchase.
No one had the chance to be part of protecting children from being trafficked, giving hope to the impoverished, restoring dignity to the exploited. Because the events were canceled. Understandably. It was the right thing to do.
But still….
I pick up a scarf and think of the children that Remember Nhu protects. As I put away the purses from India I am reminded of the women who had been rescued and are being restored by Sari Bari. The potholders from Laos, the soap from Cambodia, the aprons from Uganda. Each has a story. Each represents a life that is impacted every time Mercy Market makes another purchase from them. Or when we can’t.
So it is with sadness that I restock our shelves and drawers. With sadness that I think about how long it might be before we are able to order from them again. And with great sadness to think about how the lack of sales from Mercy Market and others will impact their lives.
I am not writing this to ask anyone for financial donations to Mercy Market. I am writing to share the whole story in the life of Mercy Market.
And I am asking you to consider two things:
- When the time is right, and events are scheduled again, would you think about hosting a Mercy Market event? It’s simple-we would love to tell you how! Craft fairs, Women’s events, home shows, church gatherings…there are lots of places to sell MM products if you are willing. Contact us on our website under the “get in touch” tab or email us at: [email protected]
- When you have occasion to purchase a gift for someone in the coming days, would you consider purchasing from Mercy Market-or a group like ours? Mother’s Day, Birthdays, and other special events will be happening in your life and even during these tough times, you might be spending some money on a gift. At such times I hope you will think about buying items that can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Soon all the items will be unboxed and put away. The task will be finished.
But not the hope.
The hope that before long we will once again be able to get back to the life of Mercy Market.
The Tedious, Demanding, Exhausting, Exciting and Fulfilling life of “extending hope to a hurting world through international artistry.”
Please visit our online store as we are daily adding new items.
Thanks nece!